rethinkingict - Computers

Computers are electronic devices using stored sequences of instructions.
Computers typically accept input and produce outputs, with examples of each in the context of PCs.
Many devices now contain computers.

Computers are devices for executing programs.
Application software is a computer program designed to perform user tasks.
The operating system is a software that manages the relationship between the application software and the hardware.
Computers consist of a number of hardware components each with a specific role.
Both the operating system and application software store data.
The above applies to devices with embedded computers, handheld technology and personal computers.
A variety of operating systems and application software is typically available for the same hardware.
Users can prevent or fix problems that occur with computers.
Social and ethical issues raised by the role of computers in our lives.

Computers are devices for executing programs.
Computers are general-purpose devices.
Not every computer is obviously a computer.
Basic architecture: CPU, storage, input/output
Computers are very fast, and getting faster all the time (Moore's Law)
Computers can 'pretend' to do more than one thing at a time, by switching between different things very quickly.